Therapy FAQ
Welcome
to the private practice of Steve W. Mathis, MS, LPC (kids usually call me Mr.
Steve ). This page is designed to help acquaint you with my practice and
hopefully answer some questions that you might have. If you have additional
questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me
for further information. I appreciate the opportunity to serve your child &
family.
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What approach to therapy do you use? Like many therapists, I use an eclectic
approach. Primarily I combine theories of developmental psychology, behavior
modification, Narrative Therapy, and basic counseling principles. My goal in
working with children, adolescents and families is to form a collaborative
relationship that will allow me to help clients and families identify their
individual and collective strengths and build on them. My style of counseling
is fairly directive and I attempt to maintain open communication with other
professionals involved in the treatment process.
What is the cost of therapy? Individual therapy sessions are $85.00 and are 45 minutes in length. Sessions may vary occasionally 15 minutes in length depending on therapeutic need. Family therapy sessions are $115.00 per hour. (Rates valid through 12/10).
Do you charge for the initial session? Yes. The fee for the initial session/consultation is $135 per hour. During the initial meeting, I address current concerns and suggest possible solutions based on information provided by the child, the parent and any psychological/educational testing that is provided.
What payment options do you offer? Payment is due at time of service unless other arrangements have been made. Cash and checks are accepted (There is a $35.00 service charge for all returned checks). For those filing insurance, monthly receipts are available for reimbursement purposes.
How long will my child be in therapy? Because emotional and behavioral
difficulties often take time to develop, it is feasible that it may take a
reasonable investment of time and energy to help to find solutions. Factors that effect the length of treatment
include the significance of difficulty, the individual’s motivation for change
and family support.
How often will my child have to attend
therapy? Initially,
I like to see my clients at least once a week. For more significant behavioral
issues or for those children who have trouble establishing relationships, more
than one weekly session may be required. As things become more stable, I will
attempt to gradually decrease the number of sessions needed. Additionally, a
family therapy session at least once a month is often helpful to monitor
progress and maintain family support.
How do I find out what my child is
working on in therapy?
Because what your child
shares in therapy is confidential, I will not disclose the specifics of what we
discuss. However, I will provide general information on how the process is going.
If your child chooses to share what is discussed in a therapy session
that is their choice. Children
should never be pressured to reveal the contents of therapy sessions.
What if a session needs to be canceled? If I need to cancel a session (other than an in emergency
situation), I will provide a minimum of 24 hours notice. In most cases, I will
attempt to provide notice several days in advance. If you need to cancel a
session (other than in an emergency situation) a minimum 24-hour notification
is required. Last minute cancellations will be billed for the cost of the
session scheduled.
